It’s been a little bit of a whirlwind but in a strangely relaxed way. Oddly, that’s how my life seems to be unfolding. I’m enjoying every minute - well . . . almost . . . there WAS the time that I lost my passport in the Calgary airport. That was a worrisome hour or so . . . but that turned out okay so all’s well that ends well, right?
GUANAJUATO, GTO, MEX - Being introduced to Guanajuato was about all that I had time for. Twelve nights just didn’t seem long enough. By the time the labryinth of streets started to have a familiar feel to them, it was time to go.
One thing for sure, it has it’s own charm and personality.
SAYULITA, NAY, MEX - It was SO much fun seeing the familiar smiles of friends that feel like family! ! ! In the beginning of my healing journey this was a HUGE piece of the puzzle that made the rest of the year make sense. I didn’t write about it in this blog but it was the first place I landed after the fire. It helped soothe my bruised psyche at the time and now feels like a “home away from home”.
Once again, it felt like I was leaving for too soon.
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA, USA - I jokingly refer to my sister’s house as my personal trading post. Before I got there I ordered supplies that I couldn’t get in Mexico to replenish my favorite consumables. Things like my toothpaste tablets so I’m not using plastic tubes.
The reality is that being in her presence brings back a feeling of stability. It’s a type of calm borne out of a shared history, a connection that spans a lifetime. It doesn’t hurt that she’s an amazing cook!
OKOTOKS, ALB, CANADA - Last year, just before the fire, I met an amazing group of artists that all participate in the stampede in Calgary. Seeing them again at the “artist party” left my face hurting from all the smiles and laughter.
Then I was honored enough to attend the wedding of the son of my hosts, Blair and Brenda, which was another epic party. Overall, my visit with them was loaded with joy and a whole boatload of belly laughs.
PORTLAND, OREGON, USA - Earlier in the year I attended the meditation retreat in Cancun with my friends here, Jocelyn and Don. On our first day together we dove right in and every day that followed we indulged in multiple meditation sessions. Later in the week they invited a group of people over to watch a live stream and meditation that Dr. Joe Dispenza offered. It’s a different energy when you’re meditating with other people. It soothes a part of my mind that needs soothing.
All in all I suspect that I will curate my future travel a little differently. I am unable to paint if I’m only in a place for a short while. I figure I need at least a month at any given destination. That allows me time to paint and then have the paint dry enough to be packed up and moved.
I am off to Hawaii where I will be hitting the easel HARD! I’ll be getting ready for a show at the Gupton Gallery in Kona on Sept. 7th. If you happen to be in the area, I’d love to see you.
